The purposes for which the authority is founded shall be to enhance and expand the state's ability to provide basic and advanced training and education and, where applicable, to certify persons in the following areas without replacing any existing mechanisms for accomplishing this training:

(1) Proficiency in the treatment and testing of drinking water;

(2) Proficiency in the treatment and testing of waste water;

(3) Proficiency as a laboratory analyst for purposes of the treatment of drinking water and waste water;

(4) Proficiency in meeting Georgia's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirement;

(5) Proficiency in designing, implementing, and inspecting for best management practices to meet Georgia's requirements under Chapter 7 of Title 12, the "Erosion and Sedimentation Act of 1975"; and

(6) Proficiency in technology necessary to assist public and private entities in complying with the provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 12, the "Georgia Water Quality Control Act," and Part 5 of Article 3 of such chapter, the "Georgia Safe Drinking Water Act."